Building a vibrant, growing membership is the dream of every association leader. But in a crowded marketplace, how do you stand out and attract new members? After asking 118 professional and trade associations how they attract members, we've uncovered six strategies to help you recruit members.

The Power of Word of Mouth

Surprisingly, the number one method for attracting new members isn't a fancy marketing campaign—it's word of mouth. In fact, research suggests that up to 80% of membership awareness comes from personal recommendations. The key? Be so remarkable that members can't help but talk about you.

How do you become "remarkable"? Focus on delivering exceptional value, creating meaningful connections, and building a community people genuinely want to be part of. Encourage your current members to spread the word and make it easy for them to do so.

Beyond the Obvious: 5 More Tactics to Grow Your Membership

1. Leverage Your Events: Your conferences and webinars are more than just learning opportunities—they're member recruitment platforms. Create follow-up touchpoints that keep the excitement alive long after the event ends.

2. Master Social Media: Don't just promote—educate. Use your social channels to provide valuable content, with occasional gentle invitations to join your community.

3. Email Marketing with a Twist: Develop short, value-packed email campaigns that offer quick, actionable insights. Think "snackable" content that leaves readers wanting more.

4. Content is King: Your blog, newsletter, and podcast aren't just for current members. Use them to attract potential members by showcasing the value of your community.

5. Partner with Others: Attend other events, share your research, and offer webinars to expand your reach.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the full video breakdown of these strategies, complete with real-world insights and actionable tips—plus six more strategies.

Ready to transform your membership growth? Let's do this! 🚀